Mobile TV Industry Pioneer OMVC to Integrate Functions Within NAB

WASHINGTON, DC – The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), which has served as the principal proponent for Mobile Television since 2007, announced today it will integrate functions with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Effective Jan. 1, 2013, key functions currently coordinated by the OMVC executive director, including OMVC’s technical groups, advocacy efforts and marketing activities, will be integrated into the NAB.

“The purpose of the OMVC was to help develop a Mobile TV standard, create an ecosystem for broadcasters, manufacturers and other interested parties and to encourage device development,” said Anne P. Schelle, who has served as OMVC’s executive director since shortly after it began. “We’ve done that, and with the recent launch of Dyle mobile TV, operated by a consortium of broadcasters known as the Mobile Content Venture, and similar activities by the Mobile500 Alliance, Mobile TV is available in more than 35 U.S. markets covering some 55 percent of the population,” Schelle added. “Integration with the NAB is the logical next step as the commercialization of Mobile TV enters its next exciting phase,” Schelle said.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith applauded the OMVC’s work and pledged the association’s full support for building further momentum for Mobile TV. “The NAB is honored to assume the duties carried out so successfully by the OMVC,” said Sen. Smith. “Through the joint efforts of the OMVC, ATSC and innumerable technical groups, the groundwork has been laid for an exciting new TV experience delivered to mobile devices. The NAB, as the voice of the broadcast industry, is the perfect home for this activity as it blossoms into the next great U.S. technology story,” Smith added.

Building on her OMVC leadership and accomplishments, Schelle will continue her Mobile TV evangelism as a senior policy consultant to the NAB to help assure a smooth transition.

“Mobile TV is a key part of broadcasters’ future, and the power of the NAB will enable the industry to speak with one voice, to continue our advocacy efforts before the FCC and Congress and to significantly expand the reach of Mobile TV services for American TV viewers. I look forward to working hard to keep the momentum going, while collaborating with the talented NAB staff, Television Board and broad membership on the transition,” Schelle said.

Mobile TV, based on the ATSC A/153 broadcast standard, transmits live local news, sports, entertainment and emergency information to a wide variety of mobile devices. By delivering popular video programming to a large audience over existing broadcast spectrum, Mobile TV helps to reduce congestion on less efficient wireless broadband networks.

About the Open Mobile Video Coalition
Representing over 900 TV stations across the country, the Open Mobile Video Coalition is a voluntary association of television broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the development of mobile digital television in the United States. The OMVC is composed of 36 members that own and operate over 500 commercial television stations, as well as the Association of Public Television Stations, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service, which represent an additional 360 public television stations. Membership in the OMVC is open to all U.S.-based television broadcasters. OMVC also includes device and transmission equipment manufacturers and software and middleware providers who are part of the Mobile DTV Forum, which works collaboratively with OMVC broadcast members to advance the rollout of Mobile TV products and services.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more about NAB at www.nab.org and Mobile TV at www.nab.org/mobileTV.